Rawalpindi : Mr. Isphanyar Bhandara yesterday visited the Sikh community of Mardan and Malakand Divisions to express his heartfelt condolences and solidarity following the tragic murder of Sewadar Jagannath Singh and his wife at a Gurdwara in Mardan.
Sikh Sangats from Mardan, Buner and Swat gathered at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Mingora, to receive Mr. Bhandara. Addressing the gathering, he reaffirmed the deep and longstanding bond between the Bhandara family and Pakistan’s Sikh community, assuring them that they are not alone in this difficult time.
Mr. Bhandara pledged to raise the matter at every relevant forum, including Parliament and the Parliamentary Minorities Caucus, to advocate for stronger protection of places of worship, enhanced community policing, and improved screening and periodic psychological evaluation of law enforcement personnel to help maintain the highest standards of professionalism and public confidence.
He emphasized that every effort must be made to ensure justice is served and that those responsible are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
Later, Mr. Bhandara visited the bereaved family at their residence in Mingora, where he offered his condolences and prayers for the departed souls.
During his visit, Mr. Bhandara also provided modest financial assistance, sewing machines to support livelihoods, and food supplies to deserving families from the community as a gesture of solidarity and support.
Mr. Bhandara further announced a number of community development initiatives for the Sikh community across Mardan, Buner and Swat, including the rehabilitation and improvement of Shamshan Ghats, access roads, and other essential community infrastructure to help address longstanding local needs.
